Don’t Just Tell Me, Show Me

Videos are increasingly popular on social media, especially on mobile devices. In fact, the time people spend watching Facebook Live each day has increased by four times and Instagram videos by 80 percent. The most engaging videos can be as short as 15 seconds.

Tips for Creating Social Media Videos

Use Your Smartphone: You don’t need expensive video equipment. Most smartphones can record videos high in visual and audio quality. Consider stabilizing your phone with an inexpensive tripod. If you want to make sure the sound is especially good, invest in a moderately priced lavalier microphone.

Capture Attention Early: Videos auto-play on most social media platforms. By capturing attention with the first few seconds of your video, you have a higher chance of stopping a viewer while scrolling through his/her feed.

Design for Sound Off: According to Digiday, 85% of Facebook videos are played without sound. Make sure there is lots of action happening in your video. If you’re able to add captions or text to tell your story visually, that’s helpful. too. Otherwise, provide a good written description to accompany your video post.

Keep it Short and Simple: Attention spans on social media are short. Video the most impactful element of your story and limit the length to 15 – 30 seconds maximum.

Find Good Lighting: Natural light is one of the best light sources. If that’s not available, use lamps. When recording your video, be sure the subject of the video faces the light source for even light spreading across the face.

Prepare your subject: Unless you’re intent upon capturing an expression of surprise or confusion, make sure your subject is ready to speak when you’re ready to record. Your subject should know what message(s) they need to convey and be prepared to talk on queue.

Find or create your own video background: A simple background encourages viewers to focus and prevents them from being distracted. Consider investing in a step and repeat backdrop featuring your organization’s logo that can be used for live or recorded interviews at various events.